Safety of warehouse work has paramount importance for logistics companies. Studies show that the majority of accidents which occur during warehouse operations are caused by improper behaviours of workers.(1) This means that major pressure should be put on raising awareness among e.g. fork lift operators of the significance of the appropriate, standard-compliant behaviour of people employed in the warehouse.

In order to promote safe behaviours in the warehouse, Raben Group has been organizing a contest Dances with Pallets in all its warehouses in Poland since 2014. The action aims at promoting precision and skills and eliminating risky practices, such as speeding. The contest consists of two parts: a theoretical workshop which focuses on presenting good practices and desired behaviours, and a practical component during which fork lift operators navigate a route with obstacles which test their precision.

"The Dances with Pallets contest is supposed to draw attention to safety in the warehouse. It is also an excellent Employer Branding tool demonstrating that Raben Group is a company which engages employees in non-standard initiatives of an educational character. Thanks to being so unique, the contest promotes itself and we gain new participants and partners every year" - summarizes Marta Szymborska, PR and CSR Manager in Raben Group.

50 fork-lift truck operators from all over Poland took part in the contest.  It was a great surprise that the 1st place was won again by Marcin Kamiński from Stryków, the winner of the first edition of the contest.

The Dances with Pallets contest has changed my attitude to everyday work. It has shown us how many elements connected with safe work in the warehouse eluded us in the everyday routine. I am really satisfied with my victory - commented Marcin Kamiński.

This year's final of the contest, just like a year ago, attracted trade journalists who watched the rivalry from up close and supported the most professional fork-lift truck operators.

[1] http://mojafirma.infor.pl/moto/logistyka/magazynowanie/675098,Przyczyny-wypadkow-w-magazynach.html